Thursday, 4 May 2017

The Intrepid Explorers

We are certainly getting out and about now that the weather has picked up and we have the beautiful Spring days that I remember from holidays past. We work on the house for a couple of hours and then do a little more exploration of our local area. The crockpot has become invaluable putting it on in the morning and just leaving it to do its thing until we are ready to eat in the evening. It is so much more than stews and casseroles, the gammon joint was a huge success. A great hit was chicken braised with red cabbage definitely something that I would do again. I did it with 2 chicken breasts but the recipe suggests thighs or drumsticks.

I mentioned in an earlier post that it had not all been plain sailing, one of the issues with our move was that we couldn't get the wardrobes out of the old house. During our 20 years there we had altered the bannisters on the stairs...the removal men tried everything but to no avail. Needless to say our clothes remained in boxes making life a little difficult. We managed to buy some wardrobes from the local charity shop and have painted them to match the other furniture. They are a work in progress needing sanding back a little to give them more the look I am going for. The chests have been repainted and I will decoupage the drawers that have the stag head handles. A work in progress but at least it is liveable for now.

The curtains were the only ones that we had two pairs of in the same colour and will be changed when I find what I am looking for.

We have explored the local villages and found hidden gems, The port of Ness was a delight. We sat there for quite awhile taking in the stunning views and simple beauty. Next stop over this beautiful ocean America.

I feel blessed that I am living the dream and am so thankful for the glorious beauty that I am sharing with the love of my life.

The sun setting over the croft, does it get any better than that?

A lazy day is planned for today, catching up with emails and writing some letters. What are your plans?

I had a similar problem, but with my kitchen dresser, when I moved to Wales. Luckily the purchasers had already asked if I would sell them the dresser. Glad that you are enjoying your new home, the good weather helps a great deal.

It does not get better than living the dream. Good thing the dream is different for different folks or we'd end up piled on top of one another. What fun to think that just across the water there is North America...not so far. ;>

Your photos of the beach and ocean are so enjoyable to see. Thank you for taking the time to take them and share them with us. I'm learning so much about the differences between our country and yours! All bedrooms in the USA are required to have a built in closet or you can't list them as a bedroom. Therefore, we can't take them with us so never thought about how it might be otherwise.

I do a lot with my crock pot/slow cooker, saves so much time perfect for busy days, your meal looks scrumptious,you have a lovely bedroom a decent size, and the area you live in is amazing, I am so happy for you x

The wardrobes look very nice in your bedroom and I'm sure it is nice to have easy and tidy access to your clothes again. You really have been busy! Please wave to me over here on the coast of America next time you are at the port. I promise I'll wave back! 🤗

Thank you for taking us with you today on your visit down to the ocean. Your views are amazing! I also loved seeing the photos of your bedroom. I think the new wardrobes you found will work just fine don't you? The chicken dinner looks delicious. Thank you for sharing the recipe with us. I'm so happy you and your husband are living your dream. Someday we hope to do the same, although at this time we're not sure what form that dream will take. Blessings, Betsy

The pictures of the ocean and your wonderful sunset view are beautiful and must be great compensation for the frustrations along the way. It must have taken some courage to take this giant step to live your dream, so enjoy every moment, you deserve it.

I'm glad you found wardrobes for your bedroom. I'm sure you wanted yours but it helped with not having to move them. The beauty of the ocean from your dream island is lovely. So the land across is America or did I read that wrong? Crockpots have been in my life since we were married. Hard to live without them. I use them almost once a week, since I work and so easy for meal time when Phil gets home. What am I doing today? Relaxing a bit after a mostly busy day at work. And getting a couple photos printed out to be framed tomorrow. Have a good weekend!

Hello from a first time visitor tonyour blog having dropped in from another blog! I have just spent awhile reading many back posts about your move and seeing your lovely daughters and grandchildren as well as your lovely crafts! My husband is of Scottish descent and was excited when I told him where you were now living as it is a place he would like to visit one day. We understand all about the joys and frustrations of moving as we did the same 2 years ago. I look forward to return visits to your blog and invite you to dop in anytime for a look at our blog too.

I have just been back reading and catching up with your blog. Thank you so much for sharing the photos, your home is looking so lovely and the scenery is amazing. I'm sure you will be very happy there x

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About Me

Happily married for 35 years, with 3 grown up daughters who all went to university and have careers and families of their own. Have finally moved to the Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Lewis after dreaming of moving for years. Living the dream. Our other favourite place to be is Florida, the sunshine state of America.